For reasons we don't understand, May 1 is a big holiday in Sweden, called Valborg. Holidays here are called "red" days, which are days off from work.
It's pretty nice to have everybody thinking, anticipating, enjoying a day off. In fact because Valborg falls on Tuesday, most people seem to have taken Monday off as well.
Valborg eve is one of those very special days. It is celebrated with large bonfires in the countryside and by fireworks! But first, a "spontaneous choir serenades us with songs of Spring!
(It was too windy to safely light a bonfire, but notice the cute lady to the left singing so beautifully in Swedish!)
Like a good many holidays, the history of Valborg is partially pagan, and partially Christian. It had definitely pagan roots, but was won over by the spread of Christianity.
In fact that reminds me that it is the same for most Christians including me. We were once pagan, but now Christian. The trick of course, is trying to stamp out the part of paganism that has hung on!
I believe, help Thou my unbelief!!
It's pretty nice to have everybody thinking, anticipating, enjoying a day off. In fact because Valborg falls on Tuesday, most people seem to have taken Monday off as well.
Valborg eve is one of those very special days. It is celebrated with large bonfires in the countryside and by fireworks! But first, a "spontaneous choir serenades us with songs of Spring!
Like a good many holidays, the history of Valborg is partially pagan, and partially Christian. It had definitely pagan roots, but was won over by the spread of Christianity.
In fact that reminds me that it is the same for most Christians including me. We were once pagan, but now Christian. The trick of course, is trying to stamp out the part of paganism that has hung on!
I believe, help Thou my unbelief!!
In Swedish! That's amazing. I hope she sings for us here in Swedish...
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